An immigrant visa is valid for 6 months after issuance. This means that the foreign relative must enter the United States prior to the expiration of the 6 month period.
Marriage
What is the immigrant visa fee at the United States embassy or consulate?
At present, the immigrant visa application fee is $230 per applicant. Each applicant must pay a separate application fee. Click here for a list of applicable fees. Please note that the immigrant visa application fee is paid to the National Visa Center (NVC).
How long does it take the United States embassy or consulate to issue an immigrant visa?
Once the United States embassy or consulate officer is satisfied, the immigrant visa application is approved and a machine readable visa is placed in the foreign relative’s passport 1 week after the interview.
How long is the entire immigrant visa process?
The issuance of an immigrant visa requires processing by the USCIS, NVC and United States embassy or consulate. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) limits the number of family based immigrant visas that are issued each year based on a preference category. Each preference category is assigned a number of immigrant visas. In addition, there… Read More
Why would the United States embassy or consulate deny an immigrant visa?
The United States embassy or consulate might deny the immigrant visa for a variety of reasons. From an administrative perspective, immigrant visas can be denied for failing to present requested documents, a divorce decree for example; incorrectly completing documents, or failing to provide adequate evidence of ability to financially support the foreign relative. From a… Read More
How long is the marriage petition valid for after approval?
A marriage petition is valid as long as the persons remain married.
How long does it take the USCIS to process a marriage petition?
After the marriage petition is filed, the USCIS will issue a receipt notice. At the interview, the USCIS officer will question you and your foreign spouse in detail with respect to the specifics of your marriage in order to determine its legitimacy. Further, you and your foreign spouse will be required to provide documentation demonstrating… Read More
What is the government filing fee for a marriage petition?
A marriage petition is termed a Petition for Alien Relative (form I-130). At present, the filing fee is $420. We have provided a complete list of fees applicable to the permanent residence (based on marriage) process on our pernmanent residence (based on marriage) fees page (this is a link).
Does the petitioner have to be married to file a marriage petition?
Yes. The petitioner and foreign spouse must be legally married at the time of filing.
Can an unemployed petitioner file a marriage petition?
Yes. There is no USCIS requirement that the petitioner be employed in order to file a marriage petition. However, in order for the USCIS to issue permanent residence, evidence must be presented that the petitioner is able to financially support a foreign spouse. If the petitioner is unemployed at the time of the USCIS interview,… Read More
